Date: January 31, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Croton Falls, NY] — The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus (The Campaign) today announced after a comprehensive executive search, John McKenna has been named as the new Executive Director and will start on January 31st.  McKenna takes over for Andy Pelosi, the Co-Founder/Executive Director, who led the organization for the past 17 years.

McKenna joins The Campaign after decades working in the peace sector as the Executive Director of Playing for Change Foundation and most recently Country Director for The Non-Violence Project Foundation. John’s innovative efforts to promote peace-building and creative conflict resolution have raised awareness on a national and global level which bring a visionary leadership to gun violence prevention.

“Safe-school climates require a foundation focused on positive child development, academic progress and periods of play,” said McKenna.  “It is immeasurably important to advance The Campaign at this important intersection when schools are being used as pawns in policy power plays, particularly with firearms ranking as the number one cause of death and harm to our children.  The Campaign recognizes cultivating cultures of peace on campuses, while a state by state challenge, is a public-health priority nationally and, at its heart, a universal and moral imperative for students and faculty everywhere.”

“John has dedicated much of his career to promoting safety and justice. We are confident that under his leadership, our efforts to keep guns out of schools and universities will gain even more momentum. His passion for protecting students, faculty, and staff aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to his vision in advancing The Campaign’s goals,” said Dina Siciliano, Board Chair for The Campaign.

Pelosi expressed gratitude and optimism as The Campaign moves forward into a new chapter. “I am excited to welcome John to The Campaign as our new leader. He brings important managerial and fund development experience coupled with many years of working in gun violence prevention.  As I transition to the Board of Directors, I look forward to supporting John’s work and helping him to continue to move The Campaign forward.”

The Campaign remains committed to its mission and will continue to advocate for the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff  nationwide.  For further updates and information about The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus, please visit www.keepgunsoffcampus.org.

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About The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus
Founded in 2008, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus works with K-12 schools, colleges and universities across the country to oppose legislative policies that would force loaded, concealed guns to be carried on campuses. Through education, outreach, coalition-building, and legal action, The Campaign works to foster a safe learning environment for all and is the only national organization of its kind tasked with protecting higher educational institutions and the communities they serve.

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Contact: John McKenna, The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus  ([email protected])